Athletics:France's Olympic gold medal prospect Teddy Tamgho has been suspended from competition by his country's federation for six months after an altercation with a female athlete.
Triple-jumper Tamgho, who holds the world indoor record, was disciplined today following the incident which occurred at a training camp towards the end of October. He was handed a 12-month ban, half of which was suspended.
Tamgho, 22, has also been fined €1,500 and ordered to complete 50 hours of community service. He will miss the chance to defend his title at the World Indoor Championships in March but will be available for selection for the London Olympics.
The men’s triple jump final takes place on August 9th. Tamgho’s hearing was held behind closed doors, with the outcome confirmed by the French Athletics Federation (FFA). The female athlete’s identity in the case has not been disclosed.
After receiving the punishment, Tamgho wrote on his Facebook page: “One year of suspension of which six months is suspended. The Olympic Games are saved. Thanks to everyone for your support but once again sorry for having involved you in this story.
“I’m happy to see that during the hearing the facts related by the opposite party have changed, and that we have gone from a lynching for the girl to a clash.”